Honda Surpasses Hero as India's Largest Two-Wheeler Manufacturer
Honda Motorcycle and Scooter India Pvt. has officially surpassed Hero MotoCorp Ltd. to become the largest two-wheeler manufacturer in India, just in time for the important festive season. According to data released by the Federation of Automobile Dealers Associations, Honda sold 62,537 more motorcycles and scooters than Hero in September, capturing approximately 27.73% of the market share. In contrast, Hero MotoCorp held a market share of 22.54%.
Both companies reported declines in their overall monthly sales. Honda’s retail sales fell by 4.53% year-on-year, totaling 333,927 units in September. Hero MotoCorp saw a more significant slump, with retail sales dropping by 22.95% year-on-year to 271,390 units. Other notable competitors included TVS Motor Co. with 221,257 units, Bajaj Auto Ltd. at 141,668 units, and Suzuki Motorcycle India Pvt. at 74,287 units, together accounting for 86.57% of the market.
While Honda leads in retail sales, Hero MotoCorp maintains a lead in wholesales, dispatching 637,050 units in September, an 18.75% increase from the previous year. Honda’s wholesales stood at 583,633 units, reflecting an 11% growth year-on-year. The competition remains fierce as both companies navigate the evolving landscape of the two-wheeler market in India.